Mid-Week Musings

November 27, 2024

Suggested Reading: Micah 5:2

Dear NBRC Family & Friends,

Many have already begun preparing for the celebration of Christmas. Christmas music is being played, Christmas trees have been decorated, gifts have been purchased, and plans for family gatherings have been made. Compared with some, you might be feeling behind schedule in your personal Christmas preparations! On Sunday, December 1, the church will also begin preparing for the celebration of Christmas, not the commercialized version, but the version that celebrates the birth of Jesus.

This year, December 1 is the First Sunday of Advent. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The season of Advent is a time of preparing. Not only should we prepare our hearts for celebrating Christ’s birth, or His first arrival on earth as a baby, but we should also examine our hearts to determine our preparedness for His second arrival, or His coming again when He returns “to judge the living and the dead.” The season of Advent is also a season of waiting. Christians not only wait for the arrival of celebrating the birth of Jesus, but we’re also waiting for His return.

The season of Advent includes the four Sundays preceding Christmas. Each of these Sundays represents something Jesus offers the world: hope, peace, joy, love. As you prepare and wait this Advent season, think about how you can tell others about what Jesus offers, and may you experience each of these gifts in your own lives.

Pastor Ron

Prayer suggestion: As you pray, thank God for the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus offers.

(On Sunday morning, December 1, 2024, the sermon title is Waiting for God. The Scripture lesson will be from Psalm 25:1-5. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be administered. Following the worship service, the annual congregational meeting will be held in the fellowship room. Everyone is invited to attend the meeting, but only confessing members have voting privileges. Have a safe, healthy, and an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day!)